Reselling Books Online: Legalities and Permissions

Reselling books is a popular activity among book lovers, with many individuals finding it a convenient way to make a little extra money or simply clear out their shelves. But the legalities around reselling differ significantly depending on whether you're dealing with print books or eBooks. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigate the waters of reselling books online, including the necessary permissions and legal considerations.

Print Books vs. eBooks

For print books, the legality of reselling is generally governed by the First Sale Doctrine, which allows the buyer of a copyrighted work to resell, lend, or otherwise dispose of the book as they see fit. However, this doctrine has some caveats. Authors and publishers generally prefer that first sale not be applied to rough drafts, galleys, or advance reader's copies (ARCs) of books. Additionally, some e-commerce platforms do not allow the resale of these rough editions.

First Sale Doctrine does not apply to eBooks, as they are governed by licensing agreements that protect author copyrights. Most eBooks come with terms that specify that you only own a license to access the eBook from a particular customer account, not the content itself. Reselling an eBook would be akin to selling your library card to a stranger, which is not legally permissible.

Even for fully published printed books, it's crucial to ensure that the resale does not violate any specific terms or conditions of the book's publication. Some platforms, such as Etsy or Thriftbooks, occasionally allow the resale of ARCs, but this remains the exception rather than the rule.

Obtaining Books for Resale

Obtaining books for resale should be done ethically. Asking for copies to review and then sell them is unethical, as you are using the book without permission. Similarly, asking for free copies for reviews and then selling them at a price that undercuts the author is also unethical. Some authors, including the author of electronic editions cited in this article, have clearly stated their rights to their intellectual property on the copyright page.

If you have purchased a book yourself and wish to resell it, you are free to do so. However, ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of your purchase. If you have a copy that came with specific licensing agreements, such as a galley or an ARC, you may need to seek explicit permission to resell.

Ethics and Best Practices

Ethics play a significant role in the reselling of books. Here are some best practices to follow:

Transparency: Clearly disclose that the book is a previously owned item, especially if it is signed, has inscriptions, or shows signs of prior use. Condition: Accurately describe the condition of the book, including any wear and tear or missing pages. Return Policy: Clearly state a return policy that is fair and reasonable to both buyer and seller. Pricing: Price the book fairly, taking into account its condition and any key features. Ethical Use: Avoid using books for any other purposes, such as reviewing, without proper permission from the author or publisher.

Conclusion

In summary, reselling books can be a worthwhile endeavor if you follow the legal and ethical guidelines. For print books, the First Sale Doctrine generally allows you to resell, provided the book is a fully published item and complies with the terms of your purchase. For eBooks, you need explicit permission from the publisher, as the licensing agreements do not allow resale.

By adhering to these principles, you can contribute to a thriving and ethical marketplace for book resellers.